Signed Letter Princess Nikita Romanov Countess Maria Vorontsova-Dashkova Russia Serge Lifar

Fine signed letter from Princess Nikita Romanov nee Countess Maria Vorontsova-Dashkova (1903-1997), to Countess Lillan Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, née Nymberg (1914-2008), dated 6th March 1973.

"My dear friend Lillian!

Many, many thanks for your sweet letter. It gave us so much pleasure to see you and Serge Michailovich [Lifar]; our charming acquaintances were very pleased to meet you both. They are good and cultured people and it is nice for us to know them. Alexander left early this morning for New york, via Spain & Portugal. I am sending him the newspaper article, which I received from you. Now that we know that our son is happy and has a "home" and a good wife we are not really sad although we miss him. He is such [a] kind affectionate son. Also we expect him and Mimi in 4 months. Perhaps then they will be able to decide if it is possible for them to settle in Monaco.

Vera Boissvain has telegraphed & told us that some of the pictures were sold on the first day. We are glad to hear that the show is a success.

I am looking forward to seeing you soon in Cannes, dearest Lillian.

Nikita sends his best wishes.

Love to you both!

Je vous embrasse.

bien venus

Marie"

(In another hand "Princess Nikita de Russie")

Prince Nikita Alexandrovich married a childhood friend Countess Maria Vorontsova-Dashkova in Paris, in 1922. Well known by White Russians in exile for her elegance and grace, the Princess was a daughter of Count Hilarion Vorontsov Illarionovich-Dashkov and his first wife, Irina, born Narishkina.

Lilian became the partner and "Guardian Angel" of Ballets Russe dancer Serge Lifar whom he met in 1958. She went through her life under the name of Countess d'Ahlefeldt-Laurvig following a brief marriage that she had with Carl, a Danish count and lawyer, who, during the occupation of Denmark by Germany was accused of collaborating with the Wehrmacht. After relations with the heir to the kingdom of Nepal, Prince Vladimir Romanovsky-Krassinsky and an American billionaire, she was permanently linked to Lifar, even after his death. They did not marry but he appointed her President of Serge Lifar International Fund.

Serge Lifar (1905-1986), was a French ballet dancer and choreographer of Ukrainian origin, famous as one of the greatest male ballet dancers of the 20th century. Not only a dancer, Lifar was also a choreographer, director, writer, theoretician about dance, and collector.

As ballet master of the Paris Opera from 1930 to 1944, and from 1947 to 1958, he devoted himself to the restoration of the technical level of the Paris Opera Ballet, returning it to its place as one of the best companies in the world.

Size: 21 x 17.5 cm approx